Chapter 18: Mage Considerations (2)

Chapter 18: Mage Considerations (2)

After rounding the first turn in the corridor, Ninsunu said, Im sorry for your loss, Xerk. You were close with Bel, no?

Thank you, High Seer Ninsu

Call me Nina. Youve done more than enough to prove yourself by now.

Oh. His chest swelled. Well Nina, yes, I was close with Bel. Although um, er.

She turned to look at him. Well?

She and Gandash were a lot closer. They were a couple.

Is that so?

Yeah. Im worried hes taking it even worse than me.

Good to know. A loss like that can be truly devastating. She led him into a large open chamber that he wasnt familiar with. It looked like some sort of temple. Their footsteps echoed on the smooth tile floor as they crossed it. Ill check on him later on, once all of this is over.

So you think its going to be over soon?

At the other side of the temple chamber, they entered another corridor. I hope so. Now, tell me more about the Abhorrent. Not the summoned ones.

Xerxes gulped and went on to describe everything he remembered about the vile monster.

When he mentioned the way the creature talked, Ninsunu said, Youre certain it said the word melam?

He paused before answering. Im not absolutely certain, he said. But I think so.

Interesting, she said. Im surprised you were able to make out that word clearly.

Youve heard them talk before?

I never said that.

I see. In that case, why dont you tell me what you do know, so I dont waste any words?

He grinned wryly. Truth be told, I dont know much beyond the fact that theyre bad? Maybe they have something to do with illegal machinery?

Not quite.

Off to the side, Satahsusar covered her mouth with her hand as if to prevent herself from laughing, while simultaneously making sure he heard her laugh.

Sorry, he said, flushing.

Glaring briefly at Satahsusar, Ninsunu said, I didnt mean it that way. Theres no need to be embarrassed not knowing about the cult. Its not as though anybody takes them seriously other than me. Well they didnt. Now even Aban seems to realize theyre more than just simpletons and crazy people.

Simply put, the cultists worship the Abhorrent. Of course, the vast majority of them have never even seen an Abhorrent, so Im not sure why the hell theyre so confident in their beliefs. Regardless, here on Mannemid, its been a non-issue for centuries, as only Buhhu mages can summon the things from the Nightmare Cove, and we arent exactly teeming with Buhhu mages. But in higher starisles, its a different story.

Why would they worship the Abhorrent? Xerxes asked.

Good question. Based on my understanding, including interrogating actual cultists, they believe that the Abhorrent are the source of all magic. Perhaps causal origin is a better word. Truth be told, not even Im exactly sure of the specifics of their teachings.

Xerxes shook his head. That makes no sense. Magic is possible because of melam. How could the Abhorrent have anything to do with the existence of melam? Its everywhere. It would be like saying the Abhorrent are responsible for air.

Thats the same question Ive asked cultists in the past. They jabber nonsense in response.

What about the Nergal? Xerxes couldnt help but ask. Doesnt he care about them?

The Pontifarch has other people assigned to deal with the cult. But Mannemid is too small of a place for such individuals to care about. Due to the fact that the cult doesnt pose any overt threat, weve only given them half-hearted attention. With whats happened in the past few days, though, my suspicions have been aroused. My contacts have mentioned a new cult leader that seized power sometime in the past year or so. A man by the name of Enki. My gut tells me that he has something to do with this invasion.

So. Were going to go into Harborview and ask him directly. I have Marshal Authority from the king, so I dont plan to waste time. Well go in quietly and carefully, but were not going to pussyfoot around. Xerk, hows your chamber looking? Not full, I take it?

I cast a few spells during the fighting. And I didnt do very much meditation on the way back. But I have enough melam for plenty more spells.

Okay. Keep your component pouch ready and your sword up. If you feel the need to cast a spell, dont hesitate. Just drop your sword and do it. At the same time, keep an ear out for orders from me. If you end up using any crabnickel powder, Ill personally see to it that youre compensated. No need for applications. However, theres one thing to keep in mind. Dont kill Enki. We need him alive.

Around then, the cart trundled to a stop.